This spoon is engraved with a Dutch inscription 'Elizabeth Boferis obijt den 20en July Ao 1664 out 11 Jaeren' which translates as 'Elizabeth Boseris died on the 20th July in the year 1664 aged 11 years'. In the 16th and 17th centuries gold and silver spoons were made as presentation pieces for all sorts of occasions, notably christenings, hence the expression "born with a silver spoon in your mouth". The Holburne possesses a fine collection of Dutch and English spoons which greatly appealed to its founder, Sir William Holburne, who displayed them proudly in his house.

The most careful and splendid decoration has been lavished on this small piece. Its bowl is engraved with a scene from the Bible – the hopeful New Testament story of Jesus' raising Lazarus from the dead, perhaps to comfort the sorrowing parents by reminding them of the resurrection of the dead. On the back is the inscription mentioned above which is enclosed by a more startling image of two skeletons with scythes.